Prisoners from Alex nearing their release from Leeuwkop Prison are being prepared for their reintegration into the society they had offended.
Alex-based NPO, Blessed is the Hand that Gives, partners with the Department of Correctional Services and others in helping the offenders atone for their ills while still incarcerated and to those they offended after their release into society. Nkosinathi Ntabeni said the initiative, to be conducted annually, will engage those in Medium A holding cells in soccer games, human relations skills and spiritual support to assist them to reorient themselves to live on the outside and in a society where positive human relations are essential.
Ntabeni said the events, which started 19 May and which will culminate in the games’ final in June, use soccer which relies on teamwork to encourage the offenders to rethink on their ways. “Only through teamwork with others in society will they be able to win and succeed in real-life situations.”
He said they administer to about 50 inmates every Thursdays and the games will be a platform to engage with many who will be in eight teams including one called Alex United. The other teams have assumed names of other top national clubs.
The real Alex United is expected to participate in a curtain-raiser match to motivate the inmates. “Its presence will also inspire those who are talented to think of using their gift to keep them gainfully engaged and end their isolation when released.
“It can be a game changer for them with discipline enforced in the games as part of helping to change their outlook to life and their dribbling skills helping them to waltz back into society as good citizens.”
Also, he said, the games will encourage them to think more positively, believe that there is still life after prison and that society is willing to have them back if they mended their ways. This he said encouraging them to use the life skills gained to face and apologise to those they offended and to contribute technical skills acquired, to better society. “Society will be encouraged to accept them back when they show remorse for having hurt and impacted negatively on the feelings of others.”
The games’ finals will have incentives of trophies, soccer kits for the teams and referees from among the inmates, top goal scorer and top ref. A professional referee from the Alex Soccer League will be on hand to encourage those keen on the profession to also pursue their dream.
Ntabeni thanked sponsors of the event and partners in the ministry programme urging them to continue the courses in the interest of the township. He anticipates the partnership to also establish support groups to continue helping them in the integration process.
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